I recently obtained the November 1958 edition of The National Shorthand Reporter.
Most of the magazine is not very interesting but I found some fascinating (to me) classified ads on the final pages. Here we can see how an important collection of shorthand books was amassed, and there are a couple of ads indicating that some people may have earned a living by transcribing the shorthand notes of reporters who were no longer available to do so. Overall these ads show the importance that specialized magazines and newsletters had back in the pre-internet days.
BOOKS WANTED — Shorthand collector is desirous of obtaining by gift, purchase, or exchange any old shorthand material — books, periodicals, or shorthand advertising material. Prompt reply will be made to any offer. Please include full title, author, and at least approximate date. All systems wanted. Write Louis A. Leslie, 15 Butler Rd., Scarsdale, N.Y.
WANTED — Expert Shorthand Speed Course by Blanchard and Zoubek, Anniversary Edition. Also Teacher's Handbook. Wm. Gregg, 4911 Cecilville Ave., LaCrescenta, Calif.
REPORTER — desires to transcribe Pitman notes of other reporters who may be deceased, can not be located, etc. Write C.P. Gehman, 414 Equitable Bldg., Denver, Colo.
REPORTER — Would like to transcribe Gregg notes of deceased reporters, or reporters unobtainable for their own transcription. Write Hugh H. West, Box 994, Anniston, Ala.
REPORTER — wishes to locate reporter friend William Dalton, now reporting in Florida. Please contact Chas. V. Lynch, 483 Columbia Rd., Suite 2, Dorchester 25, Mass.Labels: general, history, literature, trivia